USA > Pennsylvania > Washington County > History of Washington County : from its first settlement to the present time, first under Virginia as Yohogania, Ohio, or Augusta County until 1781, and subsequently under Pennsylvania > Part 39
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Fra. Eichelberger, Ist Lieutenant Battery C, Pennsylvania artillery, October 11, 1864. Resigned June 17, 1865. He had served as 2d Lieutenant from June 30, 1864, to his promotion as Ist Lieutenant.
Militia Mustered into State Service, 90 days.
H. J. Vankirk, Major 58th Regiment, July 10, 1863. Mustered out August 15, 1863.
Mat. Templeton, Captain, 58th Regiment, Company B, July 10,1860. Z. A. White, Ist Lieutenant, Mustered out August 14, 1863.
Thomas Foster, 2d Lieutenant, J
Wm. J. Carey, 2d Lieutenant 58th Regiment, Company D, July 4, 1863. Mustered out August 14, 1863.
S. S. Rogers, Surgeon 10th Regiment, September 16, 1862. Mustered out with regiment.
WVm. S. Calohan, Captain, - 14th Regiment, Company E, Sept. 16,
J. M. Mc Williams, Ist Lieutenant, 1862. Discharged with company. John W. Havelin, 2d Lieutenant, Joun C. Brown, Major 18th Regiment, September 12, 1862. Discharged with regiment.
W. J. Alexander, Captain,
Irwin C. Stump, Ist Lieutenant,
Wm. HI. Wilson, 2d Lieutenant, John Weaver, Captain,
Wm. Quail, Ist Lieutenant,
Wm. McMillan, 2d Lieutenant,
18th Regiment, Company G, Sept. 12, 1862. Discharged with company.
18th Regiment Company H, September 17, 1862. Discharged with company.
We close this chapter of the military history of Washington County by stating that the legislature passed an act authorizing the commissioners of each county to assess a tax for the relief of those families who volunteered in the service of their country. Accordingly, on May 20, 1861, Messrs. Cook, Taylor, and Elliott, the commissioners, assessed one mill on the dollar, which was directed to be added to the duplicates in the hands of the treasurer
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
On the subsequent day the commissioners and associate judges, Jacob Slagle and James G. Hart, Esqs., met as a Board of Relief and appointed Job Johnston, of California, T. R. Hazzard, of Monon- gahela City, Wm. McDaniel, of Canonsburg, Andrew S. Ritchie, of West Middletown, and Andrew Brady, of Washington, to ascertain the families of such persons as are entitled to relief, and report the circumstances of each, to enable the Board to give the necessary relief.
On June 3, 1861, disbursing agents were appointed to carry out the provisions of the law in the several localities where there are persons needing relief. The Board adopted, as a general rule, to give two dollars per week to the wife and fifty cents per week for each child, to be computed from the time the soldier entered the service.
September 25th the Board reduced the appropriation to ten dol- lars per month, as the maximum for each family, and allowed dis- crimination below that according to circumstances.
October 14th the appropriation was reduced to eight dollars per month, except in extreme cases.
Thus the Board of Relief acted promptly and energetically in the discharge of their duties, to the satisfaction of the citizens of the county and the soldier and his family.
THE SOLDIER'S MONUMENT.
The undersigned have been appointed a committee to decide upon a plan for carrying out the purpose of the contributors. This enterprise has been delayed for the want of adequate funds. The money heretofore collected was invested securely, and the accumu- lated fund, together with uncollected subscriptions decmed good, now amount to from five to six thousand dollars. In fulfilment of the wishes of the contributors it is now proposed to go forward and expend the money to the best advantage. The committee have two designs before them for their consideration.
First : A Marble Monument of as large dimensions as the sum will warrant. It was originally proposed to inscribe on this monu- ment the name of every soldier of Washington . County who had died in the service from disease or wounds during the war. On account of the large number (over eight hundred ) this may be imprac- ticable, but some other method in connection with the monument, like that hereafter suggested, might be resorted to for perpetuating their memory.
Second : A Memorial Chapel, built out of our common red sandstone, of sufficient dimensions to allow the insertion of marble tablets in the wall, and between the openings, on which the soldiers' names from each township and borough would be inscribed, together with any private memorial which the friends of any particular sol- dier might desire to place on the walls, busts of distinguished mili-
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
tary characters, and relics and trophies of the war. This design contemplates an indestructible book containing a brief historical account of each soldier, to be kept within the chapel, open to the inspection of visitors.
These are the two plans under consideration. To accomplish either of them satisfactorily, and in such manner as to do credit to Washington County, would require larger means than we have at command.
The Washington Cemetery is to be the location. Its central posi- tion, easiness of access and marvellous development rendering it the largest, as it is certainly the most attractive and beautiful burial place in the county, point it out as the most suitable site for the monument or memorial chapel.
The committee desire to obtain the following information at as early a day as possible :-
1. The name, company, and regiment of each soldier who volun- teered, enlisted as a substitute, er was drafted into the service of the United States during the late war, and who afterwards died in the service, or after his discharge, from wounds received, or disease contracted whilst in the service, accompanied with a statement of his birth, age, and place of residence when he entered the service.
2. The cause of death, and if from wounds, the place or engage- ment where received.
3. The exact date of death, giving the day of the month and year.
4. The place of death.
It is proper to say that as there is a call for the completion of the undertaking, all that the committee can do is to adopt some plan within the compass of the means furnished. Beyond that they can- not go, and the inadequacy of the fund is the great source of per- plexity and embarrassment. If the soldiers' memorial should not suit the public expectation, while it would be a source of regret to the committee, they would feel that they had performed their duty. But before final action is taken, we would solicit immediate volun- tary and individual subscription, by direct communication with the committee, from every citizen who feels an interest in the enter- prise, and desires the soldiers' monument to be worthy of the patri- otic dead who in the late war so nobly represented Washington County.
A. W. ACHESON, BOYD CRUMRINE, THOS. MCKENNAN, Committee.
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
CHAPTER VIII.
HISTORY OF ASSOCIATIONS, AND EVENTS WHICH TRANSPIRED IN WASHINGTON COUNTY.
FREE MASONRY.
LODGE 54.
THE oldest organization outside of the church, of which we have any knowledge, is the Masonic Order.
Although Bassetville, or, subsequently, Washington, was laid out in . 1781, yet nine years afterwards we find its prominent citizens taking the necessary steps to organize a Masonic lodge. Six of the origi- nal settlers of the town made the necessary application to the R. W. Grand Lodge, and a charter was granted to Brother Jas. Chambers as Worshipful Master, Brother Absalom Baird as Senior Warden, Brother Cyrus Beckwith as Junior Warden, Brother Alex. Roney as Treasurer, Brotber James Whiteside as Secretary, and Brother James Farchar as Tyler. The lodge was constituted by Brother Matthew Ritchie, D. D. G. M., June 25, 1792, and was numbered 54. It continued in existence until 1812, when the labors of masonry were temporarily interrupted by the representatives of the people declaring war against Great Britain.
From its organization until 1802, it met in several places, but afterwards in their own hall, which stood in the rear of the lot now occupied by Brother John Grayson.
During the term of its existence eight brethren presided as Wor- shipful Masters, viz : John Chambers, Dr. Absalom Baird, John Hoge, George H. Keppelle, David Cooke, Samuel Clark, John Wil- son, and Alexander Reed.
It is worthy of remark that the written records of this lodge, under date of January 6, 1800, show the fact that the members were re- quired to wear a scarf on their left arm, and a black rose on their apron for one year as a memorial of the death of their brother Gen. George Washington.
WASHINGTON LODGE, 164.
This lodge was chartered upon the petition of the members of No. 54, which had been in abeyance since the war. It was constituted March 1, 1819, by Hon. John H. Walker, D. D. G. M., and met in the hall of No. 54 until 1825, when it erected a hall on Maiden St. (second house west of the Round Corner). This lodge continued in
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
successful operation until 1832, when it suspended labor until the officers should again summon the craftsmen to work. They suspended their labor on account of the wicked and persecuting spirit of anti- Masonry, which blighted church and State, and even separated fami- lies. So full of evil was this destroying spirit that good men shuddered at its wicked and iniquitous demands. But the fury of the storm soon passed over ; ten years of anti-Masonic darkness, from the year 1826 to 1836, was sufficient to convince the people of its malignant designs, and the persecutors of the order were universally consigned to the tomb of oblivion.
On the 14th of April, 1845, the W. M. Brother George Baird summoned the craft to labor, and during the thirteen years of its suspension, death had not robbed the Masonic Temple of either offi- cers or members, but all were present and participated in erecting an altar to God, and placing thereon its first great light. Since 1845, the progress of this lodge has been onward, her membership discharg- ing their entire duty, beloved and respected both as citizens and as Masons.
From its organization to the present time the following persons have filled the office of Worshipful Masters, viz : George Jackson, Thomas H. Baird, George Baird, Alfred Creigh, William Wolf, Wil- liam Smith, H. H. Frisbie, William Boardman, W. Hart, Alexander Wishart, James C. Acheson, James M. Byers, James M. House, David Aiken, and Frederick Whittlesey, its present Worshipful Master.
HIRAM LODGE, No. 170,
Was instituted at Monongahela City, December 6, 1819, and con- tinued in existence until 1827. Its only Worshipful Master was Dr. Pollock.
HILLSBORO UNION LODGE, No. 209,
Was chartered April 17, 1827, and located at Hillsboro, but its charter was vacated March 16, 1837. Its Past Masters were Brother John M. Davis, Hugh Keys, and George Morrison.
CHANDLER LODGE, No. 237,
Was located in Washington, and chartered March 5, 1849. It was subsequently removed to Beallsville in this county.
Its Past Masters are Brother James T. Dagg, James B. Ruple, J. B. Musser, Samuel Thompson, George Passmore, J. McDonough, Isaac Register, J. Madison Miller, John Ewart, and Ahira Jones, its present Master.
CHARTIERS LODGE, No. 297,
Was chartered May 15, 1856, and constituted in Canonsburg. The following brethren have filled the office of Worshipful Master, viz :
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
John J. Shutterly, John Murphy, Jr., John Brown, William Hor- nish, J. B. Musser, Henry Sheaff, Adam Harbison, Jr., and Dr. J. W. Alexander, its present Master.
H. M. PHILLIPS LODGE, 337,
Was chartered March 5, 1860, and located in Monongahela City. The following brethren have filled the office of Worshipful Master, viz : John Witherow, W. L. S. Wilson, S. Bentley, Jr., Joel Grable, R. S. H. Keys, D. K. Stevenson, Edward Creighton, and John Hol- land.
TENMILE LODGE, 356,
Is situated in Tenmile village, and was chartered March 1, 1865. Its Worshipful Masters are Dr. J. C. Milliken, William H. Horn, Washington L. Dunn, and Jacob L. Bricker.
CLAYSVILLE LODGE, 447,
Was chartered by the R. W. Grand Lodge, September 1869, and located in Claysville. Its Worshipful Master is Isaac Teal, and was constituted October 4, 1869.
RICHARD VAUX LODGE, 454,
Is located in Burgettstown, and received a charter from the R. W. Grand Lodge, December 5, 1869, and was constitued January 21, 1870. Its Worshipful Master is George T. McCord.
MONONGAHELA VALLEY LODGE, 461,
Was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, March 2, 1870, and constituted at Greenfield, April 17, 1870. Its Worshipful Master is N. S. Veatch.
ROYAL ARCH MASONRY. WASHINGTON CHAPTER 150.
In addition to these lodges, Washington Chapter claims an exist- ence under her present charter since February 4, 1828, although the Royal Arch Degree was conferred under the charter of Lodge 164, as early as 1821. The companions who have been honored with the office of High Priest, were David Acheson, George Baird, John Best, Alfred Creigh, William Broadman, H. H. Frisbie, William Wolf, William Smith, J. B. Musser, William Hart, James M. Byers, Alexander Wishart, James C. Acheson, and James M. House. .
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
CRYPTIC MASONRY.
WASHINGTON COUNCIL, No. I,
Of Royal Super-Excellent and Select Masters was instituted by the R. P. Grand Council, November 16, 1847. The following illustrious companions have presided as Thrice Illustrious Grand Masters, viz : Alfred Creigh, Andrew Hopkins, William Wolf, William Broadman, J. B. Musser, H. H. Frisbie, William Hart, Alexander Wishart, J. C. Acheson, J. M. Byers, and J. M. House.
CHIVALRIC ORDER OF MASONRY.
JACQUES DE MOLAY COMMANDERY, NO. 3.
The Masonic fraternity of Washington County, desirous of having within her border all the various grades of Masonry, made applica- tion for a dispensation to open a Commandery. This was granted by Sir W. B. Hubbard, G. G. M. of Grand Encampment of the United States, September 12, 1849. Numerically it was numbered Two, but after the union with the Grand Encampment of Philadelphia, it became No. 3.
The following Sir Knights have filled the office of Eminent Com- mander, viz : Alfred Creigh, J. B. Musser, William Wolf, Alexander Wishart, James M. Byers, John Hall, Boyd Crumrine, and John C. McCoy.
ODD FELLOWSHIP.
Washington County has nine lodges of this benevolent society within her limits. We give the location of each and the names of the Past Grands, those who have honorably filled the chair to the satis- faction of the brethren, and for their efficient services are esteemed by the craft. Bro. G. L. Bayhe, of Lodge 377, was appointed D. D. G. Master, May, 1869, and from his zeal in the cause and devotion to the principles of Odd Fellowship, ranks among the first District Deputy Grand Masters in the State.
NATIONAL LODGE, No. 81,
Was established in Washington, February 13, 1843, by Joseph Browne, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of I. O. O. F. The lodge held its first meetings two lots south of the corner of Main and Maiden streets. In three years it was removed to the " Round Corner." Subsequently to Beau Street, on the property of William Smith, and in 1870 it has secured a permanent hall in J. S. Young's extensive buildings adjoining the public square.
The following brethren from its organization have filled the office of Noble Grand, and are now ranked as Past Grands. The list is made out as they each presided.
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
1. Geo. Morrison ; 2. James W. Smith ; 3. Wm. K. Shannon ; 4. Thos. S. Mckinley ; 5. Thos. Logan ; 6. Jas. M. Hutchinson ; 7. Alfred Creigh; 8. Jas. Mckinley ; 9. Wm. Wolf; 10. Philip Kuhn ; 11. David Orr ; 12. Jona- than D. Leet ; 13. John Davis; 14. Wm. J. Wilson ; 15. Hugh H. Rey- nolds ; 16. Wm. Harter ; 17. Thomas Walker ; 18. Peter Griffin ; 19. O. B. McFadden; 20. Alfred McGowen; 21. Morgan Hays; 22. John Thomp- son ; 23. Thos. M. Hall ; 24. John Allen ; 25. James F. Sarrat; 26. John Wilson ; 27. Marshal H. Hays; 28. Saml. M. Decker; 29. Wm. R. Terry; 30. C. Z. Koechline; 31. Mathew Griffin; 32. George T. Hammond ; 33. Freeman Brady, Jr. ; 34. H. B. McCollum; 35. Frank Fitzwilliams ; 36. . David Aiken ; 37. John Brady ; 38. Jos. M. Spriggs ; 39. Chas. Post ; 40. Thos. L. Birch; 41. Jacob Goldsmith ; 42. J. Nick Hainer; 43. George W. Driver; 44. Thomas D. Ohara; 45. Robert McElheny ; 46. Wm. Allen ; 47. Henry Schoenthal; 48. John Low ; 49. Chas. H. Ruple.
PETERS' CREEK LODGE, 248,
Was instituted at Findleyville, May 17, 1847. The following breth- ren have presided as N. G. since its organization :-
William Gaston, W. B. Lank, Wm. Gist, Isaac Lytle, James Angus, James Morrison, Joseph M. Curry, Samuel Atcheson, R. R. Bell, James Mc Alister, W. M. Mouck, John Huston, William Feree, Michael Sanders. Joseph Conlin, John Barclay, Frederick Snell, A. P. Heath, Isaiah Brown, John Stoeful, Thos. Snee, A. V. Crouch, Josiah Estep, Abel Buckingham, Louis Welch, Geo. W. Lyons, E. N. Wright, Samuel P. Hutchinson, R. Campbell, Robert Cowen, Samuel Messner, Geo. Gibson, Frank R. Storer, J. M. Snee.
NUCLEUS LODGE, 377,
Was organized at Monongahela City on the 14th day of September, 1849. The following is a list of its Past Grands.
Robert Coulter, Raphael Coulter, J. W. Carmac, Peter S. Griffin, C. Beach, A. T. Gregg, Shed. Hiser, T. R. Hazzard, W. S. Mellinger, D. J. Hamilton, Munson Clark, R. H. Young, J. W. Downer, F. M. Myers, Isaac Lowman, R. M. Gee, John Gilfillan, M. G. Gibson, Mark Boreland, David Lackey, Michael Bowman, George Callohan, J. B. Williams, Thos. Wilson, G. M. Groves, G. W. Frana, Thomas Coatsworth, J. L. Gee, Joseph Coats- worth, M. Sanders, G. L. Bayne, and H. C. Underwood.
The Oaa Fellows have a convenient and elegant hall under the control of Nucleus Association, worth seventeen thousand dollars, situate on Main Street. It has all the necessary rooms handsomely furnished, also a room for public meetings, while the Odd Fellows' Mutual Co-operative Association has a large and extensive store on the first floor. The trustees of the Nucleus Association are, J. S. Crall, President ; T. R. Hazzard, Secretary ; R. M. Gee, J. B. Finley, A. C. Sampson, and A. T. Gregg, trustees.
The Odd Fellows' Mutual Co-operative Association has a capital of forty thousand dollars, and was organized April 6, 1867. Its trustees are J. L. Gee, President; R. M. Gee, J. B. Finley, Jas.
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
Louted, H. A. Warran, J. W. Downer. Clerks in the store-T. Wilson and L. Shreckongost.
REBECCA DEGREE.
Nucleus Lodge has attached Priscilla Lodge for the benefit of females whose fathers, husbands, and brothers belong to the lodge. Bro. A. T. Gregg is the presiding officer, and Mrs. J. S. Crall is secretary. It was organized March 21, 1870.
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PIKE RUN LODGE, No. 491,
Is located in California, Washington County. Its Past Grands are
John S. Van Horn, James S. Lewellen, Jacob G. Huggins, G. Dowler, Jacob Hornbake, Samuel Lewis, John Clendaniel, Joseph S. Wilkins, John W. Paxton, D. H. Jacobs, James L. Long, James Herron, G. G. Hertzog, and James M. Berkinsha.
TENMILE LODGE, No. 552,
Was chartered May 19, 1859, and is located at Amity. Its Past Grands are
.H. C. Swartz, S. M. Walton, James A. Bebout, Dr. W. W. Sharp, M. McCollum, A. J. Mccollum, J. D. Huston, John Mc Afee, J. W. Denman, J. B. Vandyke, Isaac Sharp, Wm. Kelly, F. F. Ijams, W. C. Condit, J. B. Mc Afee, A. J. Swartz.
CEDAR LODGE, No. 633,
Was chartered August 1, 1868, and is located in Centreville, East Bethlehem township. Its Past Grands are
W. N. Hoskinson, E. S. Yeho, and E. H. Griffith.
LONE PINE LODGE, NO. 693,
Is located at Pin Hook, and was organized March 26, 1870, by D. D. G. M., G. L. Bayhe. Its Past Grands are
J. D. Houston and John Closser.
VESTA LODGE, No. 696,
Was established at Greenfield, March 3, 1870, by Geo. L. Bayhe. Its Past Grand is Thomas Young.
JOHN F. LOGAN LODGE, NO. 697,
Was instituted at Coal Bluffs, by G. L. Bayhe, D. D. G. M., Janu- ary 28, 1870. Its Past Grands are
Wm. Wilson, H. Mckinney, R. McMasters, J. Barclay, A. Fuller, S. Messner, and James Craig.
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
ENCAMPMENTS OF I. O. O. F.
SHAKSPEARE ENCAMPMENT, No. 20,
Was chartered November 4, 1845. Its founders were James B. Ruple, William Smith, William Garrity, Thomas S. McKinley, S. B. Hayes, and William Gaston. It is located in Washington, Pa.
The following persons have presided as Chief Patriarchs in the order given :-
1. James B. Ruple ; 2. James M. Hutchison ; 3. John T. Port ; 4. John Davis ; 5. William Wolf; 6. Thomas Logan ; 7. Peter Griffin ; 8. William Harter; 9. Thomas Walker; 10. William J. Wilson; 11. Wm. Hamilton ; 12. Morgan Hayes; 13. James F. Sarratt ; 14. Jacob Goldsmith ; 15. Mi- chael G. Kuntz; 16. George F. Hammond.
On February 24, 1863, it suspended meetings on account of the rebellion, but was revived February 25, 1870, its presiding officer, 17th, is Marshal H. Hayes.
PARKINSON'S FERRY ENCAMPMENT, No. 175,
Was instituted March 6, 1869, in Monongahela City. Its Past Chief Patriarchs are
R. M. Gee, T. R. Hazzard, and J. L. Gee.
EVENTS AND INCIDENTS.
We shall advert to a few events and incidents which will interest: the reader.
1782. March 27. Jacob Cook, Jr., bequeathed to the trustees. of the Presbyterian congregation of the middle fork of Tenmile. Creek, fifty pounds for the use and benefit of the congregation.
WOOD RANGERS.
1788. April 16. The court ordered that William Campbell, An -- drew McFarlane, Isaac Leet, Henry Dickson, and Henry Van Metre .: be licensed wood rangers for Washington County, and established .. the following fees : For entering each horse in the township book, 2s. 6d. ; advertising in three public places, 5s .; for each search , if found 1s. 6d. ; if not found 9d .; for an order to the owner to take . his horse out of the custody of him who has him in keeping, 1s. For casual and necessary expenses a reasonable allowance was made. .
U. S. SENATOR.
James Ross, of Washington, elected United States Senator .:
LOCUSTS.
1795. The summer of this year was remarkable for swarms of locusts which came up out of the earth until it was fairly covered. They remained about six weeks. Locusts have also made their. ap -. pearance in 1812, 1829, 1846, and 1863.
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
THEATRICAL.
1796. February 9. A tragedy called The Revenge was performed at the hotel of Mr. Fisher (in the house formerly occupied by James Ross, Esq.,) composed of a company of young gentlemen of Wash- ington. The proceeds were devoted to benevolent purposes.
These exhibitions were continued to 1810.
ROYAL FAMILY.
1797. June 20. The three sons of the late Duke of Orleans passed through Washington Borough on their way to Philadelphia, having explored a great part of the western country.
TAVERN SIGNS.
In early times tavern signs were more significant than at present. I shall enumerate some : The Harp and the Crown ; The Swan; The Indian Queen ; The Globe; The Green Tree; The Cross Keys; General Washington ; General Wayne; The Buck. But the most conspicuous and which attracted most attention was the picture of a colored boy standing in a tub of water and a white boy endeavoring to scrub him white with a brush. The motto above the painting was " Labor in vain."
FAIRS.
1798. Cattle fairs were held at Morganza in May and October of this year by Dennis Pursell. He advertised to supply a cold cut for 6d. ; a warm meal at ls. 10d.
MAY POLE.
1798. A May pole was put up in Washington upon which was placed the French flag. It was ordered to be cut down by the au- thorities of the town, as it excited in the minds of some fears that it might be metamorphosed into a liberty tree. The following lines written on the occasion explain themselves :-
1. The pole stood firm with flying flag, And stripes sixteen in number, Columbia's boast and all her brag Red round with stripes of umber.
2. But Dignity, whose eyes were foggy, Thought this the flag of France, Around which those who were so groggy Began to hop and dance.
3. Up thro' the town he bent his course To hunt some honest soul,
Who would by smiles, if not by force, Cut down the pretty pole.
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
SNOW.
1799. In the winter of 1799 the greatest snow fell at one time ever known in this county. It commenced snowing on Friday even- ing and continued to snow until the next Monday morning. The snow was three feet deep. It was almost impossible for cattle and horses to go to their watering places. One woman in Finley township (her husband being absent) went to a neighbor's house for fire (for in those days there were no matches), and to return home she was required to borrow a horse. Deer and other wild animals died from starvation.
PHENOMENON.
1801. January 12. On Wednesday evening last about eight o'clock, the atmosphere being cloudy and the night very dark, an extraordinary glare of light arose near the southern horizon and illuminated the whole atmosphere for about five seconds, and in about four minutes and a half was succeeded by an explo- sion similar to a discharge of a large cannon at a distance, which considerably shook the houses in Washington and kept the windows and door-latches in continual trepidation for the space of about twenty seconds
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